Bann Valley Cycle Route

Enjoy the quiet country roads traversing the fertile landscape of the Bann Valley, with views towards the Bann corridor and beyond towards the Antrim HIlls. The busy rural market towns of Garvagh and Kilrea offer opportunities to explore local heritage and culture and enjoy traditional hospitality.

County

Londonderry

Nearest Town

Garvagh and Kilrea

Route Type

Hill

AONB

Other Area

Grid Ref (Start)

C840155

Distance

16 miles

OS Map

Sheet 8 Discoverer Series

Route Shape

Circular

On/Off Road

On Public road

Grid Ref (End)

C840155

terrain

Bitmac surfaced country roads

route description

Start in the main car park at Garvagh Forest, just off the town's Main Street. Leave the car park and turn left along Garvagh Main Street, following the Route 12 signage (the entire route is waymarked - Route 12 - Sperrins Cycle Routes). At the crossroads in the town centre turn right on to Bridge Street and then after a short distance turn left on to Station Road. Follow this road in to the countryside and branch off left on to Ballyagan Road. On reaching the junction with Cullyrammer Road, turn left and proceed to the next T-Junction. Turn right along Mullaghinch Road and then right again on to Moneydig Road. Keep on this road until reaching the outskirts of Kilrea. Head along Edenbane Road towards the town centre and turn off right on to Blackrock Road. Follow this undulating road towards Garvagh. At the small hamlet of Boveedy turn left on to Dullaghy Road and proceed along this road until reaching Grove Road. Turn left along Grove Road and then right on to Lisachrin Road. Shortly after this, turn right on to Ballymenagh Road, a particularly quiet rural road commanding excellent views of the surrounding countryside. At the next T-Junction turn left along Kurin Road and head back into Garvagh, finishing off at the starting point in the forest car park.

getting to the start

The starting point is the main car park in Garvagh Forest, just off the town's Main Street (A29) on the southern outskirts of the town.
Ulsterbus Public Transport: Coleraine: 028 7032 5400
Car parking available in the forest car park.

traffic

Normal traffic conditions for small rural towns such as Garvagh and Kilrea.

facilities

Car parking available in the forest car park.
Refreshments and toilet facilities available in Garvagh and Kilrea.